Feb. 24, 2005

Senior right-handed pitcher Anthony Rea was named to the Stopper of the Year Award Watch List on Wednesday along with 29 other relievers from around the country. The award, which will be given by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association to the top relief pitcher in Division I, is in its inaugural season.

Prior to the start of the 2005 season, Rea was named to the Brooks Wallace Award Watch List and was recently named to the Roger Clemens Award Watch List. The Palo Alto, Calif. native also earned multiple preseason All-America honors as Louisville Slugger and the NCBWA both recognized the right-hander.

Rea is the only representative from the West Coast Conference after he ranked fourth in the nation last season with a school-record 13 saves. A two-time All-Academic WCC selection, Rea ranked fourth in the country and paced the conference in saves. He also was tops on the team with a 1.68 ERA in 2004. He put together a 5-1 record on the mound, while striking out 53 batters in 53.2 innings of work.

This season, Rea has already tallied two saves and a win. In 14.1 innings of work, he has posted 15 strikeouts and allowed only six runs. In addition to coming out of the bullpen, Rea has also made one start this season. He threw a season-high 7.2 innings in the start against Washington.

"Relief pitching is a component of the college game that is just as important as starting pitching, hitting or defense," Mike Montoro, NCBWA President, said when the creation of the award was announced. "It is an area that is often overlooked and underappreciated. Because of that, the NCBWA board believed that now was an appropriate time to initiate such an award. We are excited that this important part of the game is being recognized with a national award this season."

Nominations were made by each school's baseball sports information contact. A mid-season release, including the national saves leaders, will be updated during the week of April 18. At the end the regular season, the Division I leader in saves and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as the award's first finalists. These finalists will be released on Wednesday, June 1, just prior to the beginning of NCAA regional play.

From the list of finalists, the NCBWA's All-America Committee will select a winner. The first annual winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 8, two days prior to the beginning of NCAA super regional action.

For the complete release, please click here.